Further Assistance

1) Frequently Asked Questions
The APN has developed a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support proponents in developing a proposal for submission to the APN. If the proponent cannot find an answer in the list to a specific question or questions he/she may have, the proponent is invited to submit a Letter of Intent under the voluntary Advisory Service of the APN’s 2013 Calls for Proposals.
(Download WORD or PDF format)

2) 2013 Financial Regulations
The 2013 Financial Regulations indicate what costs will and will not be covered by APN funding and to what extent. Please refer to this guide in developing your budget estimate.
(Download WORD or PDF format)

3) APN Third Strategic Plan (2010-2015)
Please refer to the APN Third Strategic Plan to ensure that your proposal reflects the APN’s Science Agenda and Institutional Agenda for its third phase.

4) 2013 Areas of Interest
At the APN’s 18th Intergovernmental Meeting (held in April 2013), topics of interest for the Science Agenda under the 2013 Annual Calls for Proposals that are relevant to Global Change in a regional context the following holistic research topics that encompass multidisciplinary approaches:

Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (B&ES) including resiliency and main issues highlighted under the new APN B&ES Framework;

Climate Impacts on health, agriculture, livestock;

Water security (inland and ocean) in the face of extreme events; including management, quantity, quality, etc.; and

General Information

LAUNCH OF THE APN’S 2013 CALLS FOR PROPOSALS UNDER: 1. THE ARCP PROGRAMME FOR REGIONAL GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH & 2. THE CAPaBLE PROGRAMME FOR SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

Countries within the Asia-Pacific region support more than half of the world’s population and changes in the Earth’s bio-geophysical system are clearly impacting the societies and economies of these countries.

Recent research and supporting observations have provided new insights into some of these changes and their impacts but have, at the same time, opened up a number of new and challenging scientific issues and questions. APN seeks to identify these scientific issues to promote, as well as encourage, regional cooperative global change research.

The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is an inter-governmental network whose mission is to enable investigations of changes in the Earth’s life support systems and their implications for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The APN, therefore, supports investigations that will:

Identify, explain and predict changes in the context of both natural and anthropogenic (human-induced) forcing;

Assess potential regional and global vulnerability of natural and human systems; and

Contribute, from the science perspective, to the development of policy options for appropriate responses to global change that will also contribute to sustainable development.

The core strategies of the APN are to:

Promote and encourage research that can improve understanding of global change and its implications for the region and contribute to sound scientific basis for policy-formulation and decision-making; and

Identify and help address, in consultation with policy-makers and other end-users, present and future needs and emerging challenges.

The APN defines Global Change Research as “research regarding global change (the set of natural and human-induced processes in the Earth’s physical, biological, and social systems that, when aggregated, are significant at a global scale) and its implications for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.”

APN’s activities promote research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in Earth system and science that informs adaptation and mitigation decision-making in the following specific areas: Climate Change and Climate Variability; Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Land Use; Changes in the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Marine Domains; and Resources Utilisation and Pathways. These themes are interrelated and involve the interface of natural, social and political sciences. Thus, APN will also support research on crosscutting issues, science-policy linkages and the human dimensions of global change.

THE CALLS FOR PROPOSALS

The APN is inviting proposals under two separate programmes, the ARCP Programme and the CAPaBLE Programme, for funding in 2014 (from June for CAPaBLE and from October for ARCP), and is able to provide a limited amount of financial support for research and capacity development activities that fall within its areas of interest.

Stage 1: Submission and Review of Summary Proposal (compulsory)
A proponent submits a Summary Proposal with carbon copy to the nFP and to the SPG member from his/her country by Sunday 11 August 2013. The Summary Proposals will undergo a screening process performed by the SPG Sub-Committee (SPG-SC), who will select proposals that will proceed to the next stage. This screening was introduced for the first time in 2007 to avoid wasting proponents’ and reviewers’ valuable time. All proponents are notified of the results of the preliminary screening by the first week in September, and only those proponents that pass Stage 1 will be asked to submit a Full Proposal for further consideration.

Stage 2: Submission and Review of Full Proposal (compulsory and by invitation)
This stage is by invitation only. Successful proponents from Stage 1 are invited to submit their Full Proposal to the APN Secretariat by Sunday 13 October 2013.

Three-Step Review process
Review by APN internal reviewers (SPG members) and external reviewers. Proponents above the set cut-off line respond to the questions and comments of the APN internal reviewers, and unsuccessful proponents are informed of the results of the first review (Step 1 Review: November–December 2013). Proponents respond to reviewer questions (Step 2: deadline 6 January 2014) SPG members submit revised ratings based on responses of the proponents at Step 2 (Step 3 Review: February 2013).

Stage 3: Final Decision-Making
The APN’s 19th Inter-governmental Meeting (IGM) approves which proposals to fund, following recommendations from the SPG (late-March 2014). The Secretariat informs proponents of the final decision by mid-April 2013.

OUTLINE OF ELIGIBILITY AND GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION

1. Activities of Interest to the APN for its ARCP and CAPaBLE Calls for Proposals:
The APN is prepared to support activities in the area of global change as relevant to APN’s thematic areas and relating to:

The ARCP Programme

The CAPaBLE Programme

1. New research which addresses knowledge gaps in key areas
2. Synthesis and analysis of existing research
3. Research planning/scoping activities
4. The development of policy products such as integrated assessments, impact assessments, climate models, etc.

3. The APN Science Agenda
APN’s activities promote research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in the Earth system and science that informs adaptation and mitigation decision-making in the following specific areas:

Climate Change and Climate Variability;

Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Land Use;

Changes in the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Marine Domains; and

Resources Utilisation and Pathways for Sustainable Development

The above themes are interrelated and involve the interface of natural, social and political sciences. Thus, APN will also support research on crosscutting issues, science-policy linkages and the human dimensions of global change.

4. Deadlines

Advisory Service (Voluntary). Submission of Letter of Intent: Sunday 30 June 2013, midnight (24:00) – Japanese Standard Time

Stage 2. Submission of Full Proposal (template for ARCP; for CAPaBLE) by the Successful Stage 1 Proponents (Compulsory and by Invitation Only): Sunday 13 October 2013, midnight (24:00) – Japanese Standard Time

5. Format of Letter of Intent and Proposals and Further Information
Guidance on the format of Letter of Intent, Stage 1 Summary Proposal, and Stage 2 Full Proposal is set out in separate guidelines for the ARCP and CAPaBLE programmes: the “APN’s 2013 Calls for Proposals Advisory Service” (current document), the “2013 ARCP – Guide for Proponents”, and the “2013 CAPaBLE – Guide for Proponents”; which give detailed explanations of the advisory service, the two separate calls for proposals, and the criteria against which proposals are judged.

PLEASE BE SURE TO USE THE APN’S THIRD STRATEGIC PLAN AND THE NEW UPDATED GUIDE THAT REFLECTS THE APN’S SCIENCE AGENDA FOR ITS THIRD STRATEGIC PHASE.

For further information on the 2013 Calls for Proposals, please contact:

FAQ

The information provided below is intended to guide you when formulating a proposal for submission to the APN for funding in 2014. If you cannot find the answer from the 41 questions outlined, please submit your question to the APN Secretariat Programme Officer, Dr. Linda Anne Stevenson at lastevenson@apn-gcr.org. We will do our best to answer your question in a timely manner.

FAQ1. When is the APN Call(s) for Proposals launched?

The APN will launch two calls for proposals in June 2013. One is for the research-based Annual Regional Call for Research Proposals (ARCP) Programme, and the other is for the Scientific Capacity Building for Sustainable Development (CAPaBLE) Programme.

FAQ2. Who is eligible to submit proposals to the APN for funding?

Members of non-profit making institutions based in APN member and/or approved countries can submit proposals to the APN. See FAQ3.

FAQ3. Which countries in the Asia-Pacific region are Member or Approved Countries?

FAQ4. How many calls for proposals does the APN launch each year?

The APN generally launches two calls for proposals, one under the ARCP programme and one under the CAPaBLE programme. Sometimes, the APN also launches calls for focussed activities. Please refer to the Opportunities section on the APN website for more information.

FAQ5. Which call, the ARCP or CAPaBLE, should I submit my proposal under?

This depends on the core activity of your proposal. As a general rule of thumb, please follow these guidelines:

Core Activity

Submit under

Research

ARCP

Data collection/analysis

ARCP

Analyses/Syntheses

ARCP

Assessments/Models

ARCP

Research Planning/Scoping

ARCP

Scientists’ /Decision Makers’ Training

CAPaBLE

Development of Training Tools & Methodologies

CAPaBLE

Early Career Developing Country Travel Support to workshops/conferences

CAPaBLE

Science-Policy communications/interactions

CAPaBLE

Awareness Raising / Dissemination

CAPaBLE

Partnership activities with the Global Change (GC) community

CAPaBLE

FAQ6. What is the procedure for submitting a proposal to APN?

All proponents interested in submitting a proposal to APN must submit a Stage 1 Summary Proposal. The Summary Proposal will be reviewed by the Scientific Planning Group Sub-Committee (SPG-SC) to shortlist proposals that will proceed to Stage 2. All proponents will be notified of the results of the review and successful proponents will be requested to submit a full proposal for further consideration for APN funding.

FAQ7. When is the deadline for submitting a proposal to the APN?

The deadline for submitting a Stage 1 Summary Proposal is Sunday 11 August 2013 (midnight Japanese Standard Tim – JST) and is strictly adhered to. Summary proposals submitted after the deadline are not considered. Successful proponents proceeding to Stage 2 of the proposals process will be asked to submit a Stage 2 Full Proposal by Sunday 13 October 2013 (midnight JST).

FAQ8. If I miss the deadline will the APN still accept my proposal?

No. The APN has a rigorous review process, which is performed over a tight timeline, and deadline compliance is essential.

FAQ9. What is the Advisory Service?

The Advisory Service is an assistance service offered by the APN for proponents who would like to seek further information regarding the Calls for Proposals or to consult with the APN regarding the appropriateness of their proposal prior to Stage 1 (submission of Summary Proposal), by sending a Letter of Intent. The APN Secretariat will provide feedback to the proponent as appropriate. This stage is voluntary for proponents. Only proponents who have never submitted a proposal to the APN before or who have never received an award from APN before are eligible to participate in this service.

FAQ10. When is the deadline for the submission of the Letter of Intent under the Advisory Service?

The deadline for submission of the Letter of Intent is Sunday 30 June 2013, midnight (24:00) – JST. Feedback will be provided to proponents in a timely fashion, at least 2 weeks before the deadline for submitting a summary proposal.

FAQ11. Is the Advisory Service compulsory?

No. The Advisory Service is VOLUNTARY.

FAQ12. Where and to whom do I submit the proposal?

Proposals must be submitted to the APN Secretariat electronically. Faxed copies are not accepted. The email addresses for submission are:

FAQ13. I am not sure whether to submit a proposal under CAPaBLE or the ARCP? How can the APN assist me?

Refer to FAQ5 and consider, too, sending a Letter of Intent to the APN and seeking help under Section 5 of the template provided.

FAQ14. How much funding is available for individual projects?

The APN awards a yearly-average of US$45,000 for ARCP projects and US$40,000 for CAPaBLE projects.

FAQ15. What is the duration of projects?

Durations are typically 1 to 2 years for ARCP projects and 1 year for CAPaBLE projects. The maximum number of years the APN allows for any one project is 3 years (although few 3-year projects are funded due to financial limitations).

FAQ16. Does the APN have any priority areas for funding this year?

At the APN’s 18th Intergovernmental Meeting (held in April 2013), topics of interest for the Science Agenda under the 2013 Annual Calls for Proposals that are relevant to Global Change in a regional context the following holistic research topics that encompass multidisciplinary approaches:

Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (B&ES) including resiliency and main issues highlighted under the new APN B&ES Framework;

Climate Impacts on health, agriculture, livestock;

Water security (inland and ocean): in the face of extreme events; including management, quantity, quality, etc.; and

The APN makes decisions on priority global change-related topics based on information it receives from its own member countries, its Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and other information available. At the 15th Inter-Governmental Meeting (IGM)/Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Meeting held in March 2010, the APN’s Third Strategic Plan was officially endorsed and the following topics, which are not in any order of priority and are not exhaustive, were identified as the range of research topics under its Science Agenda that APN supports to help achieve its objectives. Furthermore, while themes or topics have been discussed extensively by the SPG, some of the topics listed are not necessarily new or emerging.
The additional information provided below is, essentially, to facilitate in‐country discussions and to assist those interested in working with the APN. Please refer to the APN website and the APN’s Third Strategic Plan for accurate and extensive information of projects that APN is currently funding or has funded in the past.

1. Climate Change and Climate Variability

Regional scenarios for climate change including climate extremes

Implications of global change for predictability and stability of the Asian Monsoon, and societal consequences

Synergies between adapting to current natural climate variability and that of future human-induced climate change

Adaptation measures in the Asia-Pacific region

Aerosols, clouds, climate, and human health

Mitigation options and their implications for sustainable development

Climate change and climate variability in cryosphere and water and food security

2. Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Land Use

Changes in the carbon cycle and the water cycle

Research and information networks for land system change

Assessment and enhancement of land use sustainability

Nature, extent, causes and impacts of land use change

Regionality of ecosystem services and their changes

Global change and mountain systems

Coastal marine ecosystem

Freshwater ecosystems, lakes and rivers

Agriculture ecosystems, forests, rangelands, watersheds

Water quality and quantity, water reuse

Bioenergy technology to offset fossil fuel consumption

Applied agricultural technology

Natural resources and environmental management

Urban land use change

Fish-stock/live-stock assessments, natural and cultured

Invasive species

Climate change and biodiversity

3. Changes in the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Marine DomainsAtmospheric Change:

Air quality changes at various spatial and temporal scales and their impacts

Source and sink fluxes of greenhouse gases

Impacts of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and air pollutants on agricultural and natural ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region

Downscaled climate change scenarios

Uncertainty analysis

Climate impacts on pollution

Changes in the Oceans and Coastal Systems:

Structure and composition of the marine food web and its response to physical forcing and chemical regimes in coastal up-welling systems

Aspects of physical and biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems in oxygen minimum zones (OMZ)

Technology or equipment that are environmentally friendly (recyclables, biodegradable materials, life cycle analysis of materials, etc.)

Global change implications of urban sprawl/urban development

APN recognises the importance of linkages between science and policy, i.e., two-way communications between the communities that use scientific information (policy-makers and decision-makers in society) and scientific communities. These are:

FAQ17. Can I submit a proposal to cover my PhD studentship?

No. Currently the APN does not have a mechanism to fund PhD studentships or any other undergraduate or postgraduate scholarships.

FAQ18. Can I submit a proposal for travel support to a workshop?

Currently the APN does not have a mechanism to support applications for travel support of individuals. However, travel support proposals from workshop organizers whose objectives are relevant to the goals and objectives of the APN, may submit travel-support proposals for the participation of Asia-Pacific based developing-country scientists. These scientists MUST be working in an institution in the Asia-Pacific region. The proponent must be working in an institution in the Asia-Pacific region and/or hold a key position in an International Global Change Research Programme (see also FAQ34).

FAQ19. Can I charge overhead costs in my proposal budget?

FAQ20. How can I find suitable collaborators for my project?

APN suggests that you do an extensive literature review BEFORE submitting a proposal. A review of projects on the APN website (APN E-Lib Metadata Site) may provide the proponent with information on suitable collaborators from the region.

FAQ21. How can I ensure that I am not duplicating research efforts?

APN suggests that all proponents perform an extensive literature review BEFORE submitting a proposal to APN. A review of projects on the APN website (APN E-Lib Metadata Site) may provide the proponent with information.

FAQ22. If my proposal is successful, when can I receive funding?

Successful proponents will be notified in April 2014. As such, the APN suggests that proponent activities start no earlier than June 2014 for CAPaBLE and no earlier than October 2014 for ARCP as procedures for drawing contracts and remitting funds can be time-consuming. Proponents should also note that grants are remitted subject to funds becoming available from the APN’s stakeholders.

FAQ23. Can I submit more than one proposal?

A proponent can only submit one proposal at any one time. An institution can submit more than one proposal provided that the proponents do not reside in the same department.

FAQ24. Can I submit a proposal if I am currently a project leader of an APN-funded project?

Project Leaders who are under a current Contract drawn with the APN cannot submit a proposal, as proponent, to the APN. Project Leaders should refer to their Terms of Agreement attached to their Contract. Nevertheless, the same Project Leaders may be among the collaborators of a new proposal for funding consideration by the APN or of another ongoing APN project.

FAQ25: How will my proposal be evaluated?

Your proposal will be reviewed by the APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and external reviewers from the international global change community. There are 2 main stages of review: the Review of Stage 1 Summary Proposals and the Review of Stage 2 Full Proposals. If the proponent proceeds to Stage 2, he/she will be invited to submit a full proposal and this will be reviewed by the SPG and external experts from the international global change community. Stage 2 involves a three-step process, and the proponent will have an opportunity to respond to specific questions from reviewers.

FAQ26. What are the criteria for proposal selection?

An extensive list of criteria is available in the Guide for Proponents (for ARCP/CAPaBLE) available for download on the APN website.

FAQ27. Who reviews my proposal?

Members from the APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and external reviewers drawn from the global change community provide expert reviews on proposals. The APN, however, maintains the confidentiality of the reviewers of each proposal for the sake of fair appraisal.

FAQ28. Will I be given an opportunity to provide feedback to experts who review my proposal?

Yes, if your proposal succeeds to Stage 2 of the proposals process. Note that this stage is COMPULSORY and all proponents MUST respond to reviewer feedback, otherwise their proposal will not be considered further.

FAQ29. When is the decision on project funding made?

The decision on project funding will be made at the APN’s 19th Inter-Governmental Meeting (IGM) in late March 2014.

FAQ31. Is APN able to provide salary support for project implementation?

The APN may be able to provide some salary support for time spent on a project, assuming that a full-time salary is not already being paid. More precise details can be found in APN’s financial regulations or by contacting the APN Secretariat.

FAQ32. Does the APN allow for consultants and/or consultant firms to be engaged in the project, at APN’s expense?

The APN will not pay salaries of consultants. As APN usually relies on expertise drawn from the APN global change community, any consultant fee or honorarium would have to be agreed with the APN in advance. Project leaders and collaborators should have the expertise to conduct project activities.

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No. Regional-based research proposals should demonstrate strong regional collaboration before a proposal is submitted to the APN for funding. We suggest, instead, that you submit a letter of intent under the Advisory Service offered by the APN. See the guidelines for more details.

FAQ34. I am currently involved in a project/activity of an international global change research programme, but my institution is outside the APN region. Can I submit a proposal to APN?

A potential proponent holding a key position in an international global change research programme* whose institution is outside the APN region may submit a proposal to APN for activities of interest under the ARCP and CAPaBLE Programmes. Proposals submitted under the CAPaBLE Programme must demonstrate that the activity will develop the scientific capacity of scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those from developing countries. For proposals submitted under the ARCP Programme, the regional activity must be conducted in and provide benefit for Member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It must also satisfy the regional collaboration criterion of the ARCP Programme. It must be noted, also, that because scientific capacity development and regional research activities are usually managed by people within the APN region, your proposal is expected to reasonably explain why the proposed activity is to be managed by an office that is based outside the APN region.
*Please note that an “international global change research programme” is defined here as a research programme OR core project under DIVERSITAS, IGBP, IHDP, WCRP, START, Future Earth, Belmont Forum, etc.

FAQ35. Is it necessary that proposals submitted for APN funding has co-funding from other sources?

Co-funding is strongly desired and will strengthen your proposal; however, it is not compulsory.

FAQ36. Before submitting my proposal to APN do I have to get it endorsed by the national Focal Point (nFP) or Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Member of my country?

Endorsement is not necessary, however, we ask that you carbon copy your proposal to the nFP and SPG member of your country (if available) in the email.

FAQ37. Can I apply for a seed grant to get together a group of scientists in a workshop to formulate a full proposal to be submitted to APN?

If it is for a scoping meeting to plan a research activity that is of interest to the APN, yes, this is acceptable and a proposal should be submitted under our ARCP Programme. If it is specifically to receive funding to write a proposal for the APN, then no; this is not acceptable.

FAQ38. Can members of developed countries submit proposals or only in conjunction with developing countries?

Proponents from developed countries can submit proposals but must ensure that, under the ARCP programme, 3 countries are collaborating in the project, 2 of which MUST be developing countries. For the CAPaBLE programme, a developed country proponent must demonstrate that the capacity development activities outlined in the proposal are for one or more developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

FAQ39. If my proposal fails, can I submit it to the APN again in the next round of proposals?

If your proposal fails, you will receive timely feedback from the APN Secretariat. This feedback will also have a recommendation from the APN regards areas needed strengthening in your proposal before resubmission, or whether you should refrain from submitting the same proposal to the APN for funding.

FAQ40. I want to submit a Pre-Proposal but cannot find the relevant template.

The Pre-Proposals Stage was replaced by an “Advisory Service” in 2007. Under the Advisory Service, which is similar to the former pre-proposals stage, proponents can submit a Letter of Intent to the APN Secretariat for assistance in proposal submission. The deadline for receiving a Letter of Intent is Sunday 30 June 2013 (midnight – JST).

FAQ41. Would non-APN member/approved countries be eligible to participate in the proposed project and receive funding from it?

Yes, non-APN member/approved countries are eligible to participate/collaborate in a proposed project. However, in regards to funding, APN funds are generally reserved for APN member/approved country collaborators and an additional source of funding to fund other collaborators outside the APN countries is strongly recommended to improve chances of success.